There really aren't all that many more scooters out there. I'm in the parks at least a week at a time, every two months or so. I have yet to see a huge increase in the number of ECVs at bus stops. Yes, ECVs get boarded first, but they also get unloaded last. Everyone seems to forget that. There is signage asking that only up to six people accompany the ECV guest onto the bus. It is usually fewer than that. Seriously, are we really complaining about an addtl wait of 5 mins? It's pretty much park opening and closing that guests get shut out of a bus due to an ECV and family members. And another bus will be along shortly.
I have stood and watched an elderly couple (in their 80's) sitting on their ECVs, at the MK bus stop. It was July, and around noon. I got to talking with them. Seems they had been sitting there, in that heat/humidity, for 45 mins. They had arrived at the bus stop as the bus was loading, so they weren't able to get on. Then, a bus came along, but it wasn't able to accommodate them....there was something broken on the bus. After standing there for about 20 mins a bus came and this couple was told that they wouldn't be able to get on the bus because the ramp wouldn't go down!!! Seriously?? So, now this poor elderly couple had already waited over an hour, and had to wait yet again?? I 'calmly' explained to the driver what the situation is...seems the couple didn't want to cause any issues. The driver said there was nothing he could do...well, I told him he needed to call in and get some kind of transportation for these guests immediately!!!! He said he would, and to board the bus. Nope, not getting on that bus buddy!!!! I'm not leaving these two people out in that heat/humidity by themselves!!! I also wanted to see how long it would take until they were able to leave! It took another 15/20 mins. Almost 90 mins waiting for them. That's just unacceptable.
Granted, there are more people using ECVs than ever before, and we all know that there is a percentage that really doesn't need them. When ECV rental companies advertise saying that why walk in the theme parks and get exhausted when you can ride in comfort for a small price...well, we know what happens. It's the same with the huge strollers, and those ridiculous covered push wagons!!! We seem to have adopted the 'you first, right after me' mentality at WDW. There just doesn't seem to be any compassion or empathy anymore. Everyone's family comes first, even if it means inconveniencing others.
I think we all need to take a deep breath and take a step back......yes, there is ECV abuse at WDW. But since we can't always be sure who legitimately needs one, and who doesn't, it's going to be better to ere on the side of caution. If speed in getting to the parks is most important to you then Uber or a rental car may be the way to go.
I have said this before...I have spent time in a park with someone who really does need an ECV. She is very experienced using it, very little waits to get on a bus or such. But, when you spend time with someone on an ECV, you start to see the world a bit differently. Suddenly, that person is almost invisible, people walk in front of you. They roll their eyes when they see you coming. They make comments. It was quite eye opening. So, it might be best to adopt the 'there but for the grace of God go I' mentality while in WDW.